Police recovered a loaded caliber .38 revolver from the backpack of a 15-year-old Grade 10 learner inside a school campus in Iloilo, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to call for stronger coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) to prevent similar incidents.
The PNP said school personnel immediately alerted local police after discovering the firearm during school hours.
Responding officers proceeded to the campus, secured the weapon, and ensured the safety of students and school personnel. Police said the learner was placed under child-sensitive intervention procedures.
The minor was later turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper care and disposition in accordance with child protection laws.
The recovered caliber .38 revolver, which was loaded with six live ammunition rounds, remains in police custody for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.
The PNP said the incident showed the importance of vigilance among teachers, school officials and students, especially following recent incidents involving learners in different parts of the country.
It also underscored the need for timely reporting and close coordination between schools and law enforcement to address potential threats before they escalate, the police organization said.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the school authorities and responding officers for their prompt action.
“Ang pinakamahalaga rito ay nanatiling ligtas ang ating mga estudyante at mga guro. Ang mabilis na pag-uulat ng paaralan at agarang pagresponde ng ating mga pulis ay patunay na kapag nagtutulungan ang komunidad at ang law enforcement, mas napoprotektahan natin ang ating mga kabataan.”
Nartatez also urged schools and communities to maintain a culture of awareness and cooperation.
“Patuloy nating palakasin ang ugnayan ng mga paaralan, mga magulang, lokal na pamahalaan, at ng PNP. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling ipagbigay-alam ang anumang sitwasyong maaaring makaapekto sa kaligtasan ng ating mga estudyante. Sa ganitong paraan, sama-sama nating napapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga paaralan.”
The PNP said it would continue working with DepEd, local government units, and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety initiatives nationwide through early intervention, community partnership, and responsive policing.